Methods, systems and devices for adjusting panoramic video content

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, embodiments for capturing video content with a camera. The camera is communicatively coupled to the device. Further embodiments include obtaining a network condition of a communication network. Additional embodiments include determining a network criterion according to the network condition. Also, embodiments include calculating a threshold according to the network criterion. Further embodiments include adjusting the video content in response to determining network criterion resulting in adjusted video content. Additional embodiments include determining that a first portion of the adjusted video content satisfies the threshold. Also, embodiments include transmitting the adjusted video content to a video content server over the communication network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a methods, systems, and devices foradjusting panoramic video content.

BACKGROUND

Computing devices such as mobile phones can capture panoramic videocontent. Further, the captured panoramic video content can be providedto a video content server over a communication network. In addition, thevideo content server can provide the captured video content to othermobile phones over the communication network to be viewed by others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIGS. 2A-2B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for capturing video content with a camera. The camera iscommunicatively coupled to the device. Further embodiments includeobtaining a network condition of a communication network. Additionalembodiments include determining a network criterion according to thenetwork condition. Also, embodiments include calculating a thresholdaccording to the network criterion. Further embodiments includeadjusting the video content in response to determining network criterionresulting in adjusted video content. Additional embodiments includedetermining that a first portion of the adjusted video content satisfiesthe threshold. Also, embodiments include transmitting the adjusted videocontent to a video content server over the communication network. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device,comprising a processing system including a processor, and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations cancomprise capturing video content with a camera. The camera iscommunicatively coupled to the device. Further operations can compriseobtaining a network condition of a communication network. Additionaloperations can comprise determining a network criterion according to thenetwork condition. Also, operations can comprise calculating a thresholdaccording to the network criterion. Further operations can compriseadjusting the video content in response to determining network criterionresulting in adjusted video content. Additional operations can comprisedetermining that a first portion of the adjusted video content satisfiesthe threshold. Also, the operations can comprise transmitting theadjusted video content to a video content server over the communicationnetwork.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations can comprise capturing video content with acamera. The camera is communicatively coupled to the processing system.Further operations can comprise obtaining a network condition of acommunication network. Additional operations can comprise determining anetwork criterion according to the network condition. Also, operationscan comprise calculating a threshold according to the network criterion.Further operations can comprise identifying an object of interest withinthe video content. Additional operations can comprise adjusting thevideo content in response to determining network criterion and inresponse to identifying an object of interest within the video contentresulting in adjusted video content. Also, operations can comprisedetermining that a first portion of the adjusted video content satisfiesthe threshold. Further operations can comprise transmitting the adjustedvideo content to a video content server over the communication network.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can comprise capturing, by a processing system including aprocessor, video content with a camera. The camera is communicativelycoupled to the processing system. Further, the method can comprisereceiving, by the processing system, a network condition from a videocontent server over a communication network. In addition, the method cancomprise determining, by the processing system, a network criterionaccording to the network condition. Also, the method can comprisecalculating, by the processing system, a threshold according to thenetwork criterion. Further, the method can comprise adjusting, by theprocessing system, the video content in response to determining networkcriterion resulting in adjusted video content. In addition, the methodcan comprise transmitting, by the processing system, the adjusted videocontent to the video content server over the communication network inresponse to determining, by the processing system, that a first portionof the adjusted video content satisfies the threshold.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. Computing device 202,212, camera 216, and video content server 208 can be part ofcommunication network 100.

In particular, a communications network 125 is presented for providingbroadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via accessterminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voice access 130to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/ormedia access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 viamedia terminal 142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled toone or more content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/orother media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voiceaccess 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more ofthese forms of access can be combined to provide multiple accessservices to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receivemedia content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be providedvoice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIGS. 2A-2B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems 200, 201 functioning within the communicationnetwork of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.Referring to FIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments, the system 200 caninclude a computing device 202 operated by a user 204. The computingdevice 202 is communicatively coupled to a camera 216 (or a plurality ofcameras), which is capturing video content of an object of interest 219.In further embodiments, the computing device is communicatively coupledto a video content server 208 over a communication network 206. Inadditional embodiments, the video content server 208 is communicativelycoupled to another computing device 212 over communication network 210.The video content server 208 can receive video content captured by thecamera 216 via the computing device 202 over communication network 206and provide the video content to computing device 212 over communicationnetwork 210 for the user 214 to view the video content. User 214 isassociated with computing device 212. Computing devices 202, 212 can be,but not limited to, mobile phones, mobile devices, smartphones, tabletcomputers, laptop computers, desktop computers, wearable devices, smartwatches, or any other computing device. In some embodiments, the camera216 can be integrated within the computing device 212. In otherembodiments, the camera 216 can be separate from, still communicativelycoupled to the computing device either through a wired connection orwireless connection.

In one or more embodiments, camera 216 can capture panoramic videocontent such as 360 degree video content. In further embodiments, thevideo content server 208 and computing device 202 can detect networkconditions for communication network 210 and the video content server208 and computing device 212 can detect the network conditions forcommunication network 206. Network conditions can include, but are notlimited to, available bandwidth, capacity, latency, throughput, jitter,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, in response todetecting a network condition, a network criterion can be determined bythe computing device 202, or by computing device 212 or video contentserver 208 and provided to computing device 202. Further, the capturedvideo content by computing device 202 may not satisfy the networkcriterion or a threshold calculated according to the network criterion.In response, the computing device 202 can process/adjust the videocontent to satisfy the network criterion or the threshold. For example,the network condition can be that the available bandwidth forcommunication network 206 is 5 Mbps. Further, the network criterion canbe calculated that the size of any captured video content can be nolarger than 1 MB because any video content has a requirement to beprovided to the video content server 208 within 200 ms. Note, the 1 MBcan be a threshold calculated from the network criterion. However, thecaptured video content is 1.2 MB in size and does not satisfy thethreshold. Further, the captured video content was captured using a 360degree panoramic view. In response to not satisfying the networkcriterion, the computing device 202 can process/adjust the video contentsuch that the panoramic view of the video content is 270 degrees andadjusted video content is 900 KB in size and satisfies the threshold. Insome embodiments, video content can be divided into portions or packets.Further, a threshold based on the network criterion and or networkcondition can be calculated for a portion of the video content. Aportion of the video content can be the entire video content or anamount less than the entire video content.

In one or more embodiments, the computing device 202 can capture videocontent with camera 216. Further, the computing device 202 can obtain anetwork condition of a communication network 206, 210, either detectingthe network condition itself or receiving the network condition from thevideo content server 208 or computing device 212. In addition, thecomputing device 202 can determine a network criterion according to thenetwork condition. Also, the computing device 202 can calculate athreshold according to the network criterion. Further, the computingdevice 202 can adjust or process the video content in response todetermining network criterion resulting in adjusted video content. Inaddition, the computing device 202 can determine that a first portion ofthe adjusted video content satisfies the threshold. Also, the computingdevice 202 can transmit the adjusted video content to a video contentserver over the communication network.

In one or more embodiments, the computing device 202 can re-adjustingthe video content in response to determining that a second portion ofthe adjusted video content does not satisfy the threshold resulting inre-adjusted video content, Further, the computing device 202 cantransmit the re-adjusted video content to a video content server overthe communication network.

In one or more embodiments, the adjusting of the video content by thecomputing device 202 can comprise adjusting, by the computing device202, the video content in response detecting an object of interestwithin the video content. Further, the computing device 202 can obtainan image of the object of interest. In addition, the detecting theobject of interest by the computing device 202 can comprise matching theobject of interest with the image of the object of interest using imagerecognition techniques.

In one or more embodiments, the processing or adjusting of video contentfrom a high panoramic view (e.g. 360 degrees) a lower panoramic view(e.g. 275 degrees) can also be called transcoding. Further, thecomputing device can be programmed with a software transcoding module toimplement the processing/adjusting/transcoding of the video content froma high panoramic view (e.g. 360 degrees) a lower panoramic view (e.g.275 degrees).

Referring to FIG. 2B, in one or more embodiments, the computing device202 can adjust the panoramic view of cameras 216, 217 according to anobject of interest. For example, an object of interest 219 can bestraight ahead from camera 216 and camera 216 can capture panoramicvideo content of the object of interest 219 using 275 degree video.However, the object of interest can be at an angle to camera 216 but isable to capture the object of interest using 275 degree panoramic videocontent. If computing device 202 would like to adjust the captured 275degree video content to a 180 degree panoramic video content as todecrease the size of the video content, then if the computing devicereduced (through processing/adjusting/transcoding the video content) thepanoramic view to 180 degrees along a straight axis 215, the object ofinterest 219 would not be fully retained in the video content. However,the computing device 202 can process/adjust/transcode the panoramic viewof the captured video content from 275 degrees to 180 degrees along anangled axis 213 to retain the entirety of the object of interest 219 andstill reduce the video content to 180 degree panoramic video content (toreduce the data size of the video content). The system 201 can includeobtaining an image of the object of interest 219, such that detectingthe object of interest 219 comprises matching the object of interestwith the image of the object of interest using image recognitiontechniques. Detecting the object of interest 219 assists in determiningthe angled axis 213 to process/adjust/transcode the video content form ahigh panoramic view (e.g. 275 degree) video content to a lower panoramicview (e.g. 180 degree) video content.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 220 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. In one or more embodiments,aspects of method 220 can be implemented by a computing devicecommunicatively coupled to one or more cameras, which capture videocontent. The method 220 can include, at 222, the computing devicecapturing video content with a camera. The camera is communicativelycoupled to the device. Further, the method 220 can include, at 224, thecomputing device obtaining a network condition of a communicationnetwork. In some embodiments, the method 220 can include, at 226, thecomputing device receiving the network condition from a video contentserver over the communication network. The network condition comprisesan available bandwidth, capacity, latency, throughput, jitter, or anycombination thereof. In other embodiments the method 220 can include theobtaining of the network condition by the computing device comprisesreceiving, by the computing device, the network condition from a videocontent server over the communication network. In addition, the method220 can include, at 228, the computing device determining a networkcriterion according to the network condition. Also, the method 220 caninclude, at 230, the computing device calculating a threshold accordingto the network criterion. Further, the method 220 can include, at 230,the computing device adjusting the video content in response todetermining network criterion resulting in adjusted video content.

In one or more embodiments, the method 220 can include, at 236, thecomputing device determining whether a first portion of the adjustedvideo content satisfies the threshold. If so, the method 220 caninclude, at 238, the computing device transmitting the adjusted videocontent to a video content server over the communication network. If thecomputing device determines a portion of the adjusted video content doesnot satisfy the threshold, the method 220 can include, at 240, thecomputing device re-adjusting the video content resulting in re-adjustedvideo content. Further, the method 220 can include, at 242, thecomputing device transmitting the re-adjusted video content to a videocontent server over the communication network.

In one or more embodiments, the method 220 can include, at 234, thecomputing device detecting an object of interest within the videocontent. In some embodiments, the adjusting of the video content by thecomputing device comprises adjusting the video content in responsedetecting an object of interest within the video content. In furtherembodiments, the method 220 can include the computing device obtainingan image of the object of interest. In addition embodiments, thedetecting the object of interest comprises matching the object ofinterest with the image of the object of interest using imagerecognition techniques by the computing device.

In one or more embodiments, the computing device can identify a networkcondition that adversely affects network bandwidth of a communicationnetwork. Further, responsive to the identifying of the networkcondition, the computing device can capture video content with a camera(the camera is communicatively coupled to the device), and adjust thevideo content according to the network condition resulting in adjustedvideo content. The adjusting of the video content reduces a scope ofimages in the video content and decreases bandwidth utilization of thecommunication network to mitigate.

In one or more embodiments, the computing device can identify a networkcondition that adversely affects network bandwidth of a communicationnetwork. Further, responsive to the identifying of the networkcondition, the computing device can capture video content with a camera(the camera is communicatively coupled to the processing system),identify an object of interest within the video content, and adjust thevideo content according to the network condition and the object ofinterest resulting in adjusted video content. The adjusting of the videocontent reduces a scope of images in the video content and decreasesbandwidth utilization of the communication network to mitigate thenetwork condition.

In one or more embodiments, the computing device can receiving a networkcondition that adversely affects network bandwidth of a communicationnetwork from a video content server. Further, responsive to thereceiving of the network condition, the computing device can capturevideo content with a camera (the camera is communicatively coupled tothe processing system), and adjusting the video content according to thenetwork condition resulting in adjusted video content. The adjusting ofthe video content reduces a scope of images in the video content anddecreases bandwidth utilization of the communication network to mitigatethe network condition.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Further, a portion of the embodiments described herein with portions ofother embodiments described herein.

In one or more embodiments, consider live 360° video broadcast, where abroadcaster device uploads the recorded panoramic live video to a serverwhich then disseminates it to multiple viewers.

In one or more embodiments, fueled by today's high-speed access networksand affordable panoramic cameras, live 360° video broadcast started togain popularity on commercial platforms. One or more embodiments caninclude live 360° videos on three popular platforms: Facebook, YouTube,and Periscope. Further embodiments include an Insta360 panoramic cameraattached to a Google Nexus 5X smartphone to broadcast 360° videos. Thereceivers consist of several laptops where viewers watch the video live,for example, on the broadcaster's Facebook timeline. By default both thebroadcaster and the viewers use high-speed WiFi networks. Embodimentscan include several tools including tcpdump, mitmproxy (for HTTPSinspection), and tc (for emulating poor network conditions).

One or more embodiments include 360° and non-360° live video broadcastsharing a similar architecture: a server disseminates the live contentuploaded by the broadcaster to all viewers. For 360° live broadcast onthe three platforms, embodiments include the upload path (from thebroadcaster to the server) uses RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), aproprietary live streaming protocol over TCP. The download path (fromthe server to viewers) employs either regular pull-based HTTP DASH(Facebook and YouTube) or push-based RTMP (Periscope).

In some embodiments, neither Facebook nor YouTube employs FoV-guidedstreaming. Henceforth the broadcaster has always to upload fullpanoramic views, which are then entirely delivered to the viewers,possibly in lower qualities due to rate adaptation (see below). As aresult, under the same perceived quality, 360° live videos are about 4to 5 times larger than non-360° live videos. Periscope likely does notuse FoV-guided streaming either.

Regardless of the video platform, some embodiments show that no rateadaptation is currently used during a live 360° video upload. Instead,video quality is either fixed or manually specified by the broadcaster.With respect to download, Facebook and YouTube employ DASH-style rateadaptation. Specifically, the viewer periodically requests for a MediaPresentation Description (MPD) file that contains the meta data (e.g.,URL, quality, codec info) for recently generated video chunks that are(re)encoded by the server into multiple quality levels (720p/1080p forFacebook and six levels from 144p to 1080p for YouTube). The viewer canthen select an appropriate quality level for each chunk and fetch itover HTTPS.

In further embodiments, the End-to-End (E2E) latency is the elapsed timebetween when a real-world scene appears and its viewer side playbacktime. This latency comprises of delays incurred at various componentsincluding network transmission, video encoding, and buffering at thethree entities (broadcaster, server, and viewer). E2E latency is a keyQoE metric for live video streaming, which can be measured as follows.The broadcaster points its camera to a digital clock that displays timeT1; moments later when this scene is seen by the viewer, the clockdisplays time T2. A separate camera can simultaneously record T1 (on theviewer's screen) and T2 to compute the E2E latency as T2−T1.

FIG. 2D shows a summary of the E2E latency measured for Facebook,Periscope, and YouTube under different network conditions. Each value inthe table is the average E2E latency computed across 3 experiments(stddev/mean ranges from 1% to 17%); the camera recording quality isfixed at 1080p. There can be two observations. First, the “base” latencywhen the network bandwidth is not limited is non-trivial. Second, as thenetwork condition worsens, observing degraded video quality exhibitingstall and frame skips (not shown in FIG. 2D) as well as inflated E2Elatency, particularly when the bandwidth is reduced to 0.5 Mbps.

Measurements indicate that live 360° video broadcast can be improved invarious aspects. Other embodiments can include several aspects. First,and embodiment can include a video rate adaptation (VRA) scheme for live360° video upload using non-live 360° VRA. The network quality at thebroadcaster side degrades, instead of stalling/skipping frames ordecreasing the quality of the panoramic view, the broadcaster can havean additional option of spatial fall-back that adaptively reduces theoverall “horizon” being uploaded (e.g., from 360° to 180°) in order toreduce the bandwidth consumption. The reason is that for many livebroadcasting events such as sports, performance, ceremony, etc., the“horizon of interest” is oftentimes narrower than full 360°. Thereforereducing the uploaded horizon may bring better user experience comparedto blindly reducing the quality. Further determining the (reduced)horizon's center and the lower bound of its span (e.g., ideally itshould be “wider” than the concert's stage). This can be achieved bycombining several approaches including manual hints from thebroadcaster, crowd-sourced head movement prediction, and real-time videocontent analysis (off-loadable to the cloud).

Further embodiments include crowd-sourced head movement prediction forlive 360° videos at the viewer side. Due to its realtime nature, thistask is more challenging than the head movement prediction for non-live360° videos. Embodiments leverage that different viewers experiencedifferent viewing latency: when many viewers are present, due to theheterogeneity of their network quality which, together with otherfactors, dictates the buffering level, the E2E latency across users canlikely exhibit high variance as exemplified in FIG. 2D (this has alsobeen observed in non-360° live streaming measurements). Embodiments cantherefore use the real-time head movement statistics of low-latencyusers (whose network qualities are typically good) to help head movementprediction for high-latency users who experience challenging networkconditions and thus can benefit from FoV-guided streaming. 360° livebroadcast can also benefit from incremental chunk upgrading andapplication-assisted multipath. For example, if the broadcaster employsSVC encoding, then there is no need for the server to performre-encoding because the client player can directly assemble individuallayers into chunks with different qualities.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. Computing device202, 212, camera 216, and video content server 208 can be part of thevirtualized communication network.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can employ networkfunction software that provides either a one-for-one mapping oftraditional network element function or alternately some combination ofnetwork functions designed for cloud computing. For example, VNEs 330,332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain name system (DNS)servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers, systemarchitecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility management entity (MME)gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers for IP-VPN,Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers and othernetwork elements. Because these elements don't typically need to forwardlarge amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributed across anumber of servers—each of which adds a portion of the capability, andoverall which creates an elastic function with higher availability thanits former monolithic version. These VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. can beinstantiated and managed using an orchestration approach similar tothose used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. The computing environment can bepart of computing device 202, 212, camera 216, and video content server208.

In particular, computing environment 400 can be used in theimplementation of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal112, base station or access point 122, switching device 132, mediaterminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. Each of these devices canbe implemented via computer-executable instructions that can run on oneor more computers, and/or in combination with other program modulesand/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. Computing device 202, 212, camera 216,and video content server 208 can be part of mobile network platform 510.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generateand receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WAN) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WAN 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at least inpart, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based onradio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) of radioaccess network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packet dataprotocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via communications network 125. Computing device 202,212, camera 216, and video content server 208 can comprise communicationdevice 600.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: identifying a network conditionthat adversely affects network bandwidth of a communication network;responsive to the identifying: capturing video content with a camerawith a panoramic view for the video content at a first panoramic settingbased on a first axis, wherein the camera is communicatively coupled tothe device; and adjusting the video content according to the networkcondition resulting in adjusted video content, wherein the adjustingreduces a scope of images in the video content by adjusting the firstaxis to a second axis and reducing the panoramic view of the videocontent from the first panoramic setting based on the first axis to asecond panoramic setting based on the second axis that decreasesbandwidth utilization of the communication network to mitigate thenetwork condition.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise calculating a threshold according to the networkcondition.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the operations furthercomprise: determining that a first portion of the adjusted video contentsatisfies the threshold; and transmitting the adjusted video content toa video content server over the communication network.
 4. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the operations further comprise: re-adjusting the videocontent in response to determining that a second portion of the adjustedvideo content does not satisfy the threshold resulting in re-adjustedvideo content; and transmitting the re-adjusted video content to a videocontent server over the communication network.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the identifying of the network condition comprises receiving thenetwork condition from a video content server over the communicationnetwork.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the network conditioncomprises an available bandwidth, capacity, latency, throughput, jitter,or any combination thereof.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein theadjusting of the video content comprises adjusting the video content inresponse detecting an object of interest within the video content. 8.The device of claim 7, wherein the operations comprise obtaining animage of the object of interest, wherein detecting the object ofinterest comprises matching the object of interest with the image of theobject of interest using image recognition techniques.
 9. Anon-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processing system including aprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, the operationscomprising: identifying a network condition that adversely affectsnetwork bandwidth of a communication network; responsive to theidentifying: capturing video content with a camera with a panoramic viewfor the video content at a first panoramic setting based on a firstaxis, wherein the camera is communicatively coupled to the processingsystem; identifying an object of interest within the video content; andadjusting the video content according to the network condition and theobject of interest resulting in adjusted video content, wherein theadjusting reduces a scope of images in the video content by adjustingthe first axis to a second axis and reducing the panoramic view of thevideo content from the first panoramic setting based on the first axisto a second panoramic setting based on the second axis that decreasesbandwidth utilization of the communication network to mitigate thenetwork condition.
 10. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium ofclaim 9, wherein the operations further comprise calculating a thresholdaccording to the network condition.
 11. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the operations furthercomprise: determining that a first portion of the adjusted video contentsatisfies the threshold; and transmitting the adjusted video content toa video content server over the communication network.
 12. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein theoperations further comprise: re-adjusting the video content in responseto determining that a second portion of the adjusted video content doesnot satisfy the threshold resulting in re-adjusted video content; andtransmitting the re-adjusted video content to a video content serverover the communication network.
 13. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 9, wherein the identifying of the network conditioncomprises receiving the network condition from a video content serverover the communication network.
 14. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 9, wherein the network condition comprises an availablebandwidth, capacity, latency, throughput, jitter, or any combinationthereof.
 15. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9,wherein the operations comprise obtaining an image of the object ofinterest, wherein the identifying the object of interest comprisesmatching the object of interest with the image of the object of interestusing image recognition techniques.
 16. A method, comprising: receiving,by a processing system including a processor, a network condition thatadversely affects network bandwidth of a communication network from avideo content server; responsive to the receiving: capturing, by theprocessing system, video content with a camera with a panoramic view forthe video content at a first panoramic setting based on a first axis,wherein the camera is communicatively coupled to the processing system;and adjusting, by the processing system, the video content according tothe network condition resulting in adjusted video content, wherein theadjusting reduces a scope of images in the video content by adjustingthe first axis to a second axis and reducing the panoramic view of thevideo content from the first panoramic setting based on the first axisto a second panoramic setting based on the second axis that decreasesbandwidth utilization of the communication network to mitigate thenetwork condition.
 17. The method of claim 16, comprising calculating,by the processing system, a threshold according to the networkcondition.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising transmitting, by theprocessing system, the adjusted video content to the video contentserver over the communication network in response to determining, by theprocessing system, that a first portion of the adjusted video contentsatisfies the threshold.
 19. The method of claim 17, comprising:re-adjusting, by the processing system, the video content in response todetermining that a second portion of the adjusted video content does notsatisfy the threshold resulting in re-adjusted video content; andtransmitting, by the processing system, the re-adjusted video content tothe video content server over the communication network.
 20. The methodof claim 16, wherein the adjusting of the video content comprisesadjusting, by the processing system, the video content in responsedetecting, by the processing system, an object of interest within thevideo content.